Apparatus and method for controlling electronic device

ABSTRACT

An electronic control device transmits a function control signal within a predetermined area. Other electronic devices within the predetermined area receive the function control signal. The function control signal initiates a control program in an electronic device in the predetermined area that adjusts one or more user setting conditions of the electronic device, such as audio volume level, display brightness level, etc. The original user setting conditions are returned to their prior values when the device exits the predetermined area or otherwise stops receiving the function control signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electronic device having a wirelesscommunication function, a method for controlling an electronic device, aprogram for controlling the electronic device, and a control device foran electronic device.

There are electronic devices having various types of functions that areset by a user. However, there are situations depending on the locationand time in which the usage of an electronic device should be restrictedor the control of an electronic device is desired. Therefore, researchon technology for automatically adjusting the setting conditions of anelectronic device has been carried out (refer, for example, to patentdocuments 1 to 6 listed below).

Patent document 1 describes a technique for generating a warning soundwith a volume that corresponds to the volume of the noise around avehicle. Patent document 2 describes a technique for setting the volumefor when an on-timer function of a video/acoustic equipment is turned ONand for setting the volume to a different level immediately after anoff-timer turns OFF the power. Patent document 3 describes a techniquefor automatically adjusting the volume of an audio system in accordancewith the speed of an automobile. Patent document 4 describes a techniqueof automatically lowering the volume of an audio system if the window ordoor opens when the automobile is not moving and automaticallyincreasing the volume of the audio system when the window or door isclosed. Patent documents 5 and 6 describe techniques for adjusting thevolume when changing television channels or when a commercial broadcastswitches to a program broadcast.

In patent documents 1 to 6, the electronic device performs automaticadjustments by itself. However, there are situations in which it isdesirable that an electronic device be externally controlled inaccordance with the ambient environment of the electronic device. Forinstance, there are cases in which it is desirable that communicationwith a mobile phone be prohibited in a communication prohibition area orthe like. Accordingly, research on a technique for shifting a phone unitto a sleep state upon receipt of communication prohibition informationin such an area has been carried out (see e.g., patent document 7).

In patent document 7, when receiving communication prohibitioninformation from a BT device arranged in the communication prohibitionarea, the mobile phone transmits a message-recording mode registrationrequest signal and enters a sleep state, in which electrical signals arenot emitted. The mobile phone returns to a state in which signals aretransmittable when moved out of the communication prohibition area.

-   [Patent document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    2004-345477 (P. 1)-   [Patent document 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    2004-56298 (P. 1)-   [Patent document 3] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    2002-362241 (P. 1)-   [Patent document 4] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    10-322153 (P. 1)-   [Patent document 5] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    06-37563 (P. 1)-   [Patent document 6] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    11-346396 (P. 1)-   [Patent document 7] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    2003-179683 (P. 1)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, may best beunderstood by reference to the following description of the presentlypreferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a controller and anelectronic device in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process for transmitting and receiving afunction control signal in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control process for the electronicdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main parts of a process in a firstexample in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main parts of the process in a secondexample in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing application of a third examplein accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main parts of the process in the thirdexample; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main parts of the process in a fourthexample in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for forcibly changing the setting condition (settingvalue, operation state, etc.) set by a manager in a specific area, asdescribed above. In particular, patent document 7 controls theprohibition of communication or telephone calls of a mobile phone. Thereare also cases in which it is desirable that flash photography andvolume be restricted depending on the situation, such as location andtime. In the prior art, such restrictions are often carried out byeither audibly or via a sign, requesting a user to manually change thesettings of the device. However, a user may not notice or ignore such arequest. With such electronic devices, the setting value and operationstate differs depending on the user, and restrictions must be imposed inview of the setting state of each user. Patent document 7 does notdescribe any process that takes into consideration the state set by theuser.

The present invention provides an electronic device having a wirelesscommunication function, a method for controlling an electronic device, aprogram for controlling an electronic device, and a control device foran electronic device that limits undesirable operations of theelectronic device while the electronic device is in a predefined area.

One aspect of the present invention is an electronic device including acontrol means for executing a control process for implementing afunction. A function changing means changes a setting condition inaccordance with an operation performed by a user when the function isimplemented and holds the set setting condition. A wireless receptionmeans receives a function control signal containing a function typespecification, which specifies a function of a control subject, and acontrol message, which is related to a setting condition for controllingthe function of the control subject. The control means includes acontrol determining means for, when receiving the function controlsignal from a controller that includes a wireless signal transmissionmeans for transmitting the function control signal to a control targetarea covering a predetermined range, determining whether or not thesetting condition for the function of the control subject that isspecified by the function type specification in the function controlsignal corresponds with the setting condition of the control message inthe function control signal. A function control means sends a changinginstruction to the function changing means to change the settingcondition in accordance with the control message when the settingcondition for the function of the control subject does not correspondwith the setting condition of the control message.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling anelectronic device including a control means for executing a controlprocess for implementing a function. A function changing means changes asetting condition in accordance with an operation performed by a userwhen the function is implemented and holds the set setting condition. Awireless reception means receives a function control signal containing afunction type specification, which specifies a function of a controlsubject, and a control message, which is related to a setting conditionfor controlling the function of the control subject. The method includesa control determining step, which is performed by the control means, of,when receiving the function control signal from a controller thatincludes a wireless signal transmission means for transmitting thefunction control signal to a control target area covering apredetermined range, determining whether or not the setting conditionfor the function of the control subject that is specified by thefunction type specification in the function control signal correspondswith the setting condition of the control message in the functioncontrol signal. The method further includes a function control step,which is performed by the control means, of sending a changinginstruction to the function changing means to change the settingcondition in accordance with the control message when the settingcondition for the function of the control subject does not correspondwith the setting condition of the control message.

A further aspect of the present invention is a program for controllingan electronic device including a control means for executing a controlprocess for implementing a function. A function changing means changes asetting condition in accordance with an operation performed by a userwhen the function is implemented and holds the set setting condition. Awireless reception means receives a function control signal containing afunction type specification, which specifies a function of a controlsubject, and a control message, which is related to a setting conditionfor controlling the function of the control subject. The programincludes having the control means function as a control determiningmeans for, when receiving the function control signal from a controllerthat includes a wireless signal transmission means for transmitting thefunction control signal to a control target area covering apredetermined range, determining whether or not the setting conditionfor the function of the control subject that is specified by thefunction type specification in the function control signal correspondswith the setting condition of the control message in the functioncontrol signal. The program also includes having the control meansfunction as a function control means for sending a changing instructionto the function changing means to change the setting condition inaccordance with the control message when the setting condition for thefunction of the control subject does not correspond with the settingcondition of the control message.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a controller forcontrolling an electronic device. The controller includes a wirelesssignal transmission means for transmitting a control signal forcontrolling the electronic device to a control target area covering apredetermined range. A control means instructs transmission of thecontrol signal. A trigger means provides a trigger signal to the controlmeans. The control means includes a means for instructing transmissionof a function control signal from the wireless signal transmissionsmeans. The function control signal contains a function typespecification, which specifies a function of a control subject in theelectronic device, and a control message, which is related to a settingcondition for controlling the function of the control subject.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles ofthe invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed withreference to FIGS. 1 to 8. In the present invention, a wireless controlsystem includes a controller 10 and an electronic device 20 as shown inFIG. 1. The controller 10 controls the electronic device 20 bytransmitting a function control signal to the electronic device. Asshown in FIG. 2, the function control signal contains data that relatesto a function type specification, which specifies the function of acontrol subject, and a control message, which relates to the settingconditions for controlling the function.

The structure of the controller 10 will first be discussed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 10 includes a control unit 11, atrigger signal providing unit 12, a memory 13, and a wirelesscommunication unit 14. The control unit 11 functions as a control meansof the controller, the trigger signal providing unit 12 functions as atrigger means, and the wireless communication unit 14 functions as awireless signal transmission means.

The control unit 11, which includes a CPU, RAM, ROM etc. (not shown),performs a process (process including remote control processing stage,etc.) described later. The control unit 11 executes a remote controlprocessing program, and functions as a remote control processing means.Specifically, when receiving a signal from the trigger signal providingunit 12 in accordance with the remote control processing program, thecontrol unit 11 generates a function control signal using the datastored in the memory 13. Then, the control unit 11 transmits thefunction control signal out of the controller 10 with the wirelesscommunication unit 14.

The trigger signal providing unit 12 of FIG. 1 provides a trigger signalto the control unit 11. The trigger signal is output upon determinationof a situation, which satisfies a condition that triggers the generationof a control signal. For example, when an incoming call detection meansfunctions as the trigger signal providing unit 12, the trigger signalproviding unit 12 generates a function control signal when detecting anincoming call. In this case, the incoming call detection means providesthe control unit 11 with the function control signal. When a timedetection means functions as trigger signal providing unit 12, thetrigger signal providing unit 12 generates a function control signalduring a predetermined signal generation time period. In this case, thetime detection means, which has detected that the present time is withinthe signal generation time period, provides the control unit 11 with thetrigger signal.

The memory 13 stores the data related to the function type specificationand the control message.

The wireless communication unit 14, which includes an antenna, transmitsthe function control signal via the antenna. In the preferredembodiment, the wireless communication unit 14 transmits the functioncontrol signal using short-range wireless technology such as infraredlight, ZIGBEE (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registeredtrademark). The wireless communication unit 14 transmits radio waveshaving an intensity that corresponds to the size of a predeterminedcontrol target area. The controller 10 thus transmits the functioncontrol signal to the electronic device 20 positioned within the controltarget area, which is in accordance with the signal intensity of thewireless electric waves.

The electronic device 20, which receives the function control signaltransmitted by the controller 10, includes a control unit 21, a wirelesscommunication unit 22, an operation unit 24, and a control subject 25.The control unit 21 functions as a control means and a function changingmeans of the electronic device 20, and the wireless communication unit22 functions as a wireless reception means.

The control unit 21, which includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. (not shown),performs a process (process including control determining stage andfunction controlling stage), which will be described later. The controlunit 21 executes a control program and functions as a control settingprocessing means 211 and a function changing means 212.

The control setting processing means 211, which functions as a controldetermining means and a function control means, specifies the functionthat should be the control subject from the function type specificationdata of the function control signal acquired by the wirelesscommunication unit 22. The control setting processing means 211 performsa process for changing the setting condition specified by the controlmessage in the function control signal. In this case, the controlsetting processing means 211 temporarily stores a current setting value(user setting value) prior to the change in an associated memory, whichserves as a user setting state storage means. The electronic device 20is reset with the user setting value upon completion of the receipt ofthe function control signal. Completion of the function control signalcan be either the electronic device 20 no longer receiving the functioncontrol signal, for example, if the electronic device has moved outsideof the signal range of the controller 10 or if the controller 10 stopsbroadcasting the function control signal.

The function changing means changes the setting condition of the controlsubject 25 in response to a setting instruction from the operation unit24 or a setting instruction from the control setting processing means211. The function changing means stores the present setting conditionsubsequent to the change in the incorporated memory.

The wireless communication unit 22, which includes an antenna, receivesthe function control signal with the antenna and provides the functioncontrol signal to the control unit 21.

The operation unit 24 executes a process for accepting the settingcondition changing instruction from the user.

The control subject 25 has a setting condition that is changed by thefunction changing means of the control unit 21. For example, when thevolume is set as the control subject by the function control signal, avolume adjustment unit of a speaker or earphone functions as the controlsubject 25.

The processes performed by the controller 10 and the electronic device20 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring to FIG. 2, the control unit 11 of the controller 10 executes aprocess for outputting the trigger signal (step S11). Specifically, whendetecting a time or situation that forms a trigger, the trigger signalproviding unit 12 generates a trigger signal and provides the triggersignal to the control unit 11.

The control unit 11, which receives the trigger signal, transmits afunction control signal (step S12). Specifically, the remote controlprocessing means of the control unit 11 acquires the function typespecification data and the control message from the memory 13, generatesthe function control signal, and transmits the function control signalfrom the wireless communication unit 14. In this case, the electronicdevice 20, which is in the control target area, receives the functioncontrol signal (step S13).

The control process performed in the electronic device 20 will bedescribed using FIG. 3.

The electronic device 20 executes a process for determining whether ornot the function control signal has been received (step S21). If thefunction control signal is received from the controller 10 (“YES” instep S21) in the same manner as in step S13, the control unit 21 of theelectronic device 20 executes a process for determining whether or notthe present setting condition corresponds with the setting condition ofthe control message (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 21specifies the function that is to be controlled based on function typespecification data in the function control signal. The control unit 21compares the present or current user setting condition of the specifiedfunction and the setting condition of the control message in thefunction control signal.

If the comparison result indicates that the present setting conditiondoes not correspond with the setting condition of the control message(“NO” in step S22), the control unit 21 executes a process for storingthe user setting value (step S23). Specifically, the control settingprocessing means 211 of the control unit 21 temporarily stores thecurrent user setting condition in a memory of the electronic device 20.

Then, the control unit 21 of the electronic device 20 executes achanging process using the setting condition of the control message(step S24). Specifically, the control setting processing means 211 ofthe control unit 21 changes the setting condition of the control subject25 so that it corresponds with the setting condition specified in thecontrol message. In this case, when the setting condition of the controlmessage is within a tolerable range, the control setting processingmeans 211 changes the setting condition to a setting condition that isclosest to the user setting value within the tolerable range.

The control unit 21 of the electronic device 20 then executes a processfor determining whether or not the setting condition has been manuallychanged (step S25).

If the setting condition has not been manually changed (“NO” in stepS25), a process for determining whether or not the receipt of thefunction control signal has been completed is executed (step S26).

If receipt of the function control signal has not been completed (“NO”in step S26) then prior step S25 is repeated until the setting conditionhas been changed or the receipt of the function control signal iscompleted.

When the user operates the operation unit 24 of the electronic device 20to change the setting condition of a function, the operation unit 24provides setting changing instruction data to the control unit 21. Thecontrol unit 21 then detects the setting changing instruction anddetermines that the setting condition has been manually changed. In thiscase (“YES” in step S25), the control unit 21 repeatedly executes theprocesses subsequent to step S21.

If the changed setting condition corresponds with the setting conditionin the control message (“YES” in step S22), the control unit 21 returnsto step S21 and repeats steps S21 and S22 waits until a differentfunction control signal is received.

If the manually changed setting condition does not correspond with thesetting condition of the control message (“NO” in step S22), then thechanged setting condition is stored as the user setting value (stepS23), and the setting condition is changed to the setting condition ofthe control message (step S24). The control unit 21 waits until thesetting condition is manually changed (“YES” in step S25) or receipt ofthe function control signal is completed (“YES” in step S26).

If receipt of the function control signal has completed without thesetting condition being manually changed (“YES” in step S26), thecontrol unit 21 of the electronic device 20 executes a process forrecovering the user setting value (step S27). Specifically, the controlsetting processing means 211 of the control unit 21 changes the settingcondition of the control subject 25 to the previously stored usersetting value. The control unit 21 of the electronic device 20 thenreturns to step S21, and waits until receiving a different functioncontrol signal.

The preferred embodiment has the advantages described below.

(1) In the preferred embodiment, the trigger signal providing unit 12generates the trigger signal and provides the trigger signal to thecontrol unit 11 when a time, situation, or the like that forms a triggeris detected in the controller 10. The control unit 11 then generates andtransmits the function control signal containing the function typespecification data and the control message (step S12). When receivingthe function control signal (step S21), the electronic device 20 whenlocated in the control target area executes a process for determiningwhether or not the present setting condition corresponds with thesetting condition of the control message (step S22). If the presentsetting condition does not correspond with the setting condition of thecontrol message (“NO” in step S22), the electronic device 20 executesthe changing process using the setting condition of the control message(step S24). Thus, when a predetermined time, situation, or the like isdetected, the controller 10 forcibly changes the setting condition ofthe electronic device 20 that is located in the control target area tothe setting condition of the corresponding control message.

(2) When executing the changing process with the setting condition ofthe control message (step S24), if the setting condition of the controlmessage has a tolerable range, the control unit 21 of the electronicdevice 20 changes the setting condition to the setting condition that isclosest to the user setting value in the tolerable range. Thus, in thesetting conditions of the control message, the setting condition ischanged to the setting condition that is closest to the settingcondition set by the user.

(3) If the present setting condition does not correspond with thesetting condition of the control message (“NO” in step S22), the controlunit 21 of the electronic device 20 executes the process for storing theuser setting value (step S23). Then, if receipt of the function controlsignal is completed (“YES” in step S26) without the setting conditionbeing manually changed, the control unit 21 of the electronic device 20executes a process for recovering the user setting value (step S27).Thus, the electronic device 20, which has completed receipt of thefunction control signal, automatically returns the setting value to theuser setting value set by the user. This provides user convenience.

(4) When the user operates the operation unit 24 of the electronicdevice 20, the control unit 21 of the electronic device 20 detects thesetting changing instruction from the operation unit 24 and determinesthat the setting condition has been manually changed. In this case(“YES” in step S25), the control unit 21 repeatedly executes theprocesses subsequent to step S21. Thus, even if the user operates theoperation unit 24 to change the setting condition, priority is given tothe control executed by the controller 10 when the function controlsignal is received. Accordingly, the setting condition of the electronicdevice 20 in the control target area is forced to remain in the samestate.

Examples embodying the controller 10 and the electronic device 20 willnow be discussed.

A first example in which a control is executed to reduce the volume of atelevision when an incoming call is received by a home telephone willnow be discussed with reference to FIG. 4. The home telephone functionsas the controller 10, and the television functions as the electronicdevice 20. The television is arranged at a location where a volumerestriction control signal serving as the function control signal isreceivable from the home telephone.

In the home telephone, an incoming call detection means for detectingthe incoming call of the telephone call functions as the trigger signalproviding unit 12. The home telephone transmits the volume restrictioncontrol signal serving as the function control signal. The memory 13 ofthe home telephone stores the function type specification data, whichspecifies the sound output function, and the control message of thesetting condition (volume level) for the sound output function. A volumelevel that is tolerated as the volume of the television when an incomingcall is received (e.g., noise level≦maximum tolerable value X) is usedas the setting condition of the sound output function.

The control subject 25 of the television is a sound output unit foroutputting sound from the television. The operation unit 24 of thetelevision is a volume adjustment unit for adjusting the volume. Thefunction changing means of the control unit 21 of the television holdsthe present setting condition (volume level) set by the user for thesound output function, and sound is output in accordance with suchcondition. Upon receipt of the volume restriction control signal, thecontrol unit 21 specifies the sound output function as the controltarget from the function type specification of the volume restrictioncontrol signal. Then, the control unit 21 executes the processes ofsteps S21 to S27 to control the sound (volume control).

The process for controlling the volume of the television with the hometelephone will now be discussed.

Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 11 of the home telephone detectsan incoming call (step S31). Specifically, when an incoming call isreceived, the incoming call detection means of the home telephonedetects the incoming call and provides the trigger signal to the controlunit 11 (step S11 of FIG. 2).

The control unit 11 of the home telephone then executes a process fortransmitting the volume restriction control signal (step S32).Specifically, the remote control processing means of the control unit 11acquires the function type specification data and the control messagestored in the memory 13, generates the volume restriction controlsignal, and transmits the volume restriction control signal out of thecontroller 10 from the wireless communication unit 14 (step S12 of FIG.2).

In this case, the television located in the control target area receivesthe volume restriction control signal (step S33, step S13 in FIG. 2, and“YES” in step S21 of FIG. 3). The control unit 21 of the televisionspecifies the sound output function as the function that is to becontrolled from the function type specification in the volumerestriction control signal. The control unit 21 also specifies thepresent setting condition (volume level) of the sound output function.

The control unit 21 of the television executes the control process bythe function restriction signal. In this case, whether or not thepresent setting condition corresponds with the setting condition of thevolume in the volume restriction control signal is determined (step S22of FIG. 3). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the televisiondetermines whether or not the present volume level is the settingcondition of the control message (e.g., volume level is less than orequal to a maximum tolerable value X).

If the present setting condition does not correspond with the settingcondition of the control message (“NO” in step S22 of FIG. 3), thecontrol unit 21 of the television stores the present volume level as theuser setting value (step S34). Specifically, if the present volume levelis greater than the maximum tolerable value X, the present volume levelis stored as the user setting value (step S23 of FIG. 3).

Then, the control unit 21 of the television automatically adjusts thevolume level so that it corresponds with the setting condition of thevolume restriction control signal (step S24 of FIG. 3). Since thepresent volume level is greater than the setting condition of thecontrol message, the control unit 21 of the television changes thevolume level to the maximum tolerable value X, which is the settingcondition of the control message closest to the present volume level(step S35).

Subsequently, when detecting a volume level changing instruction in asignal from the operation unit 24 (step S36, “YES” in step S25 of FIG.3), the control unit 21 of the television repeatedly executes theprocesses of steps S21 to S24 of FIG. 3 if the volume restrictioncontrol signal is received and the volume level is greater than themaximum tolerable value. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 21of the television stores the changed volume level as the user settingvalue (step S37, step S23 of FIG. 3). In this case, the control unit 21of the television maintains the volume level, which has been instructedto be changed, at the maximum tolerable value X that corresponds to thesetting condition of the control message.

Thereafter, when the call is completed, the control unit 11 of the hometelephone detects the completion of the incoming call with the incomingcall detection means (step S41) and stops transmission of the volumerestriction control signal (step S42). In this case (“YES” in step S26of FIG. 3), the control unit 21 of the television detects the completionof the receipt of the volume restriction control signal (step S43) andchanges the volume level back to the volume level stored as the usersetting value (step S44, step S27 of FIG. 3).

The present example has the advantages described below in addition toadvantages (1) to (4).

In the present example, when detecting the incoming call (step S31), thehome telephone transmits the volume restriction control signal (stepS32). When the present volume level does not correspond to the settingcondition of the control message in the volume restriction controlsignal, the control unit 21 of the television, which receives the volumerestriction control signal, changes the volume level so that itcorresponds to the setting condition of the control message (step S35).Thus, if an incoming call is received by the home telephone, thetelevision that is located nearby is controlled so that the volume isautomatically lowered.

In the present example, when detecting a volume level changinginstruction in the signal from the operation unit 24 (step S36), thecontrol unit 21 of the television performs the processes of steps S21 toS24 if the volume restriction control signal is received and the volumelevel is greater than the maximum tolerable value X. Thus, the controlunit 21 of the television stores the changed volume level as the usersetting value (step S37) and the setting condition of the controlmessage is maintained. Accordingly, even if an operation is performedwith the operation unit 24, priority is given to the control executed bythe home telephone. Thus, the volume of the television remains low.

In the present example, when the volume restriction control signal isreceived (step S33) or the setting condition is manually changed and thevolume restriction control signal is received (step S36), the processfor storing the user setting value is executed (steps S34, S37). Whencompletion of an incoming call is detected (step S41), the control unit11 of the home telephone stops the transmission of the volumerestriction control signal (step S42). In this case, the control unit 21of the television detects completion of the receipt of the volumerestriction control signal (step S43) and changes the volume level tothe user setting value. Thus, when the detection of the incoming callsignal is completed, the volume of the television is automaticallyreturned to the volume level set by the user. This provides userconvenience.

A second example in which control is executed to prohibit a digitalcamera from performing flash photography, for example in art galleriesand museums, will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 5. Here, aflash photography prohibition device functions as the controller 10, andthe digital camera functions as the electronic device 20.

The flash photography prohibition device is arranged near displayedpaintings and exhibits. The flash photography prohibition devicetransmits a flash invalidation control signal serving as the functioncontrol signal. In the flash photography prohibition device, a timedetection means for detecting open hours functions as the trigger signalproviding unit 12. The memory 13 of the flash photography prohibitiondevice stores function type specification data for specifying aphotography function and a control message of the setting condition forphotography (flash firing prohibition).

The control subject 25 of the digital camera is a photography functionunit. The operation unit 24 of the digital camera is a button forsetting the photography condition. The function changing means of thecontrol unit 21 of the digital camera holds the present settingcondition of the photography function (flag of “YES” or “NO” indicatingflash firing setting). When receiving the flash invalidation controlsignal, the control unit 21 specifies the photography function from thefunction type specification in the flash invalidation control signal.Then, the control unit 21 executes the processes of steps S21 to S27,which are described above, to control the setting condition of thephotography function (setting condition of “NO” flash firing).

A process for controlling flash photography prohibition of the digitalcamera with the flash photography prohibition device will now bediscussed.

The control unit 11 of the flash photography prohibition device detectsthe open hours (step S51). Specifically, when detecting the open hours,the time detection means of the flash photography prohibition deviceprovides the trigger signal to the control unit 11 (step S11 of FIG. 2).

The control unit 11 of the flash photography prohibition device thenexecutes a process for transmitting the flash invalidation controlsignal (step S52). Specifically, the remote control processing means ofthe control unit 11 acquires the function type specification data andthe control message stored in the memory 13, generates the flashinvalidation control signal, and transmits the flash invalidationcontrol signal out of the controller 10 with the wireless communicationunit 14 (step S12 of FIG. 2).

In this case, the digital camera when located in the control target areareceives the flash invalidation control signal (step S53, step S13 ofFIG. 2, “YES” in step S21 of FIG. 3). The control unit 21 of the digitalcamera then specifies the photography function as the control targetfrom the function type specification in the flash invalidation controlsignal. The control unit 21 also specifies the present setting conditionof the photography function.

The control unit 21 of the digital camera then determines whether or notthe present setting condition corresponds with the setting condition inthe flash invalidation control signal (step S22 of FIG. 3).Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the settingcondition for the photography function of the digital camera is “NO”flash firing.

If the present setting condition does not correspond with the settingcondition of the control message (“NO” in step S22 of FIG. 3), thecontrol unit 21 of the digital camera stores the present settingcondition as the user setting value (step S54). Specifically, if theflash firing setting condition is presently “YES”, the flag indicatingthe flash firing setting condition of “YES” is stored as the usersetting value (step S23 of FIG. 3).

The control unit 21 of the digital camera then changes the settingcondition so that it corresponds to the setting condition of thephotography function (step S24 of FIG. 3). Specifically, the controlunit 21 of the digital camera changes the flash firing setting conditionto “NO” (step S55).

Subsequently, when detecting a changing instruction in a signal from theoperation unit 24 (step S56, “YES” in step S25 of FIG. 3), if the flashinvalidation control signal is received and the changing instruction isfor setting the flash firing to “YES”, the control unit 21 of thedigital camera repeatedly executes the processes of steps S21 to S24.Thus, the control unit 21 stores the flag indicating the flash firingsetting condition of “YES” as the user setting value (step S57, step S23of FIG. 3), and the flash firing setting condition of “NO”, which is thesetting condition of the control message, is maintained.

Thereafter, when the digital camera is moved outside the control targetarea of the flash invalidation control signal, the control unit 21 ofthe digital camera detects completion of the receipt of the flashinvalidation control signal (step S58). In this case (“YES” in step S26of FIG. 3), the control unit 21 of the digital camera changes the flashfiring setting condition to “YES” (step S59, step S27 of FIG. 3) if theflag indicating the flash firing setting condition of “YES” is stored asthe user setting value. If the flag indicating the flash firing settingcondition of “NO” is stored as the user setting value, the flash firingsetting condition of “NO” is maintained.

The present example has the advantages described below in addition toadvantages (1), (3), and (4).

In the present example, when detecting the open hours (step S51), theflash photography prohibition device transmits the flash invalidationcontrol signal (step S52). If the present setting condition does notcorrespond with the setting condition of the control message (step S55),the control unit 21 of the digital camera that receives the flashinvalidation control signal changes the flash firing setting conditionto “NO”, which is the setting condition of the control message. Thus, inthe control target area, the flash photography prohibition deviceinhibits photography using the flash firing photography function of thedigital camera.

In the present example, when detecting a changing instruction forchanging the flash firing setting condition to “YES” in the signal fromthe operation unit 24 (step S56) and the flash invalidation controlsignal is received, the processes of steps S21 to S24 are performed.Thus, the control unit 21 stores the flag indicating the flash firingsetting condition of “YES” as the user setting value (step S57), and thesetting condition of the control message is maintained. Accordingly,even if an operation is performed with the operation unit 24, priorityis given to the control executed with the flash invalidation controlsignal. Thus, the digital camera when located in the control targetarea, is inhibited from performing flash photography.

In the present example, when the digital camera is moved outside thecontrol target area, the control unit 21 of the digital camera detectsthe completion of the receipt of the flash invalidation control signal(step S58). In this case, if the flag indicating the flash firingsetting condition of “YES” is stored as the user setting value, thecontrol unit 21 of the digital camera changes the flash firing settingcondition to “YES” (step S59). Thus, when the digital camera is locatedin an area other than the control target area, the setting condition isautomatically returned to the setting condition of the photographyfunction set by the user. Accordingly, the user who could not takephotographs in a flash firing photography prohibition area will be ableto take photographs with the setting conditions that were set by theuser before the prohibition of flash photography and automaticallymaintained during the prohibition.

A third example in which a control is executed to reduce the volume ofcar audio equipment in an automobile located near an emergency vehicle(ambulance, fire engine, police car) that is being driven under anemergency situation will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.In the present example, the volume of the car audio equipment in anautomobile is reduced when an emergency vehicle approaches theautomobile so that the driver will become aware of the approachingemergency vehicle. A volume reduction control device installed in theemergency vehicle functions as the controller 10 and the car audioequipment of the automobile functions as the electronic device 20.

In the present example, referring to FIG. 6, the location of the controltarget area moves as the emergency vehicle travels. Specifically, as theemergency vehicle moves to positions A1, A2, and A3, the control targetarea moves to areas B1, B2, and B3. This switches the car audioequipment controlled by the volume reduction control device.

The volume reduction control device transmits a volume restrictioncontrol signal serving as the function control signal. In the volumereduction control device, a siren output setting unit for detecting theoutput setting of a siren functions as the trigger signal providing unit12. The memory 13 of the volume reduction control device stores thefunction type specification data, which specifies a sound outputfunction, and the control message, which indicates the setting condition(volume level) for sound. The setting condition for the volume of thecar audio equipment (e.g., volume level is less than or equal to maximumtolerable value Y) is used as the sound setting condition when theemergency vehicle is traveling.

The control subject 25 of the car audio equipment is a sound output unitfor outputting the sound of the audio. The operation unit 24 of the caraudio is a volume adjustment unit for adjusting the volume. The functionchanging means of the control unit 21 for the car audio equipment storesthe present setting condition (volume level) of the sound outputfunction. Upon receipt of the volume restriction control signal, thecontrol unit 21 specifies the sound output function as the controltarget from the function type specification in the volume restrictioncontrol signal. Then, the control unit 21 executes the processes ofsteps S21 to S27, which are described above, to control sound (volumecontrol).

The process of controlling the volume of the car audio equipment withthe volume reduction control device will now be discussed with referenceto FIG. 7.

The control unit 11 of the volume reduction control device detects thesiren output setting (step S61). Specifically, when the emergencyvehicle is traveling under an emergency situation and the siren is on,the siren output setting unit of the volume reduction control deviceprovides the control unit 11 with a trigger signal indicating that thesiren is on (step S11 of FIG. 2).

In this case, the control unit 11 of the volume reduction control deviceexecutes a process for transmitting the volume restriction controlsignal (step S62). Specifically, the remote control processing means ofthe control unit 11 acquires the function type specification data andthe control message stored in the memory 13, generates the volumerestriction control signal, and transmits the volume restriction controlsignal out of the controller 10 with the wireless communication unit 14(step S12 of FIG. 2).

The car audio equipment located in the control target area receives thevolume restriction control signal (step S63, step S13 of FIG. 2, “YES”in step S21 of FIG. 3). The control unit 21 of the car audio specifiesthe sound output function as the function that is controlled from thefunction type specification in the volume restriction control signal.The control unit 21 also specifies the present setting condition (volumelevel) of the sound output function.

The control unit 21 of the car audio determines whether or not thepresent setting condition corresponds with the setting condition of thesound in the volume restriction control signal (step S22 of FIG. 3).Specifically, the control unit 21 of the car audio determines whether ornot the present volume level corresponds to the setting condition of thecontrol message (volume level is less than or equal to maximum tolerablevalue Y).

If the present setting condition does not correspond with the settingcondition of the control message (“NO” in step S22 of FIG. 3), thecontrol unit 21 of the car audio equipment stores the present volumelevel as the user setting value (step S64). Specifically, if the presentvolume level is greater than the maximum tolerable value Y, the presentvolume level is stored as the user setting value (step S23 of FIG. 3).

The control unit 21 of the car audio equipment adjusts the volume levelso that it corresponds to the setting condition of the volumerestriction control signal. Since the present volume level is greaterthan the setting condition of the control message, the control unit 21of the car audio equipment changes the volume level to the maximumtolerable value Y, which is the setting condition of the control messageclosest to the present volume level (step S65, step S24 of FIG. 3).

Subsequently, when detecting a volume level changing instruction in asignal from the operation unit 24 (step S66, “YES” in step S25 of FIG.3), if the volume restriction control signal is received and the volumelevel is greater than the maximum tolerable value, the control unit 21of the car audio equipment repeatedly executes the processes of stepsS21 to S24 of FIG. 3. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 21 ofthe car audio equipment stores the changed volume level as the usersetting value (step S67, step S23 of FIG. 3). In this case, the controlunit 21 of the car audio equipment maintains the volume level, which hasbeen instructed to be changed, at the maximum tolerable value Y incorrespondence with the setting condition of the control message.

Thereafter, when the car audio equipment is moved out of the controltarget area, which depends on the relative distance of the automobilefrom the emergency vehicle, the control unit 21 of the car audioequipment detects the completion of the receipt of the volumerestriction control signal (step S68). In this case (“YES” in step S26of FIG. 3), the control unit 21 of the car audio equipment changes thevolume level back to the volume level stored as the user setting value(step S69, step S27 of FIG. 3).

The present example has the advantages described below in addition toadvantages (1) to (4).

In the present example, when detecting the siren output setting (stepS61), the volume reduction control device installed in the emergencyvehicle transmits the volume restriction control signal (step S62). Thecontrol unit 21 of the car audio equipment receives the volumerestriction control signal, changes the volume level so that itcorresponds to the setting condition of the control message if thepresent volume level does not correspond with the setting condition ofthe control message in the volume restriction control signal (step S65).Accordingly, the volume of the car audio equipment in an automobilelocated near the traveling emergency vehicle is controlled by the volumereduction control device. This allows the driver to become aware of theapproaching emergency vehicle.

In the present example, when detecting the volume level changinginstruction in a signal from the operation unit 24 (step S66), if thevolume restriction control signal is received and the volume level isgreater than the maximum tolerable value Y, the control unit 21 of thecar audio equipment performs the processes of steps S21 to S24. Thus,the control unit 21 of the car audio equipment stores the changed volumelevel as the user setting value (step S67), and the setting condition ofthe control message is maintained. Accordingly, even if an operation isperformed with the operation unit 24, priority is given to the controlexecuted by the volume reduction control device. Thus, the volume of thecar audio equipment remains small as the emergency vehicle passesnearby.

In the present example, when the control unit 21 of the car audioequipment no longer receives the volume restriction control signal forexample because the emergency vehicle has passed by, it returns thevolume level back to the user setting value (step S69). Thus, after theemergency vehicle passes by, the volume of the car audio equipment isautomatically returned to the volume level set by the user. Thisprovides user convenience.

A fourth example in which a control is executed to restrict thebrightness of a game device having a wireless communication functionwhen the game device is, for example, being used on a crowded train willbe discussed with reference to FIG. 8. A brightness restriction controlmeans functions as the controller 10, and the game device functions asthe electronic device 20.

The brightness restriction control means is installed, for example, inthe car of a crowded train. The brightness restriction control meanstransmits a brightness restriction control signal serving as thefunction control signal when the train is crowded. In the presentembodiment, the crowded situation may be specified by a time period, forexample, at peak travel times. Thus, in the brightness restrictioncontrol means, a time detection means for detecting whether or not thepresent time is the crowded time period, functions as the trigger signalproviding unit 12. The memory 13 of the brightness restriction controlmeans stores the function type specification data, which specifies adisplay function, and the control message, which indicates the settingcondition (brightness level) for a display. The setting condition of thebrightness level is a brightness level that would not be bright to otherpassengers in a crowded car (brightness level is less than or equal to amaximum tolerable level Z).

The control subject 25 of the game device is the display. The operationunit 24 of the game device is a brightness adjustment unit for adjustingthe brightness of the display. The function changing means of thecontrol unit 21 of the game device stores the present setting condition(brightness level) of the display function. When receiving thebrightness restriction control signal, the control unit 21 specifies thedisplay function as the control target from the function typespecification in the brightness restriction control signal. Then, thecontrol unit 21 executes the processes of steps S21 to S27 to controlthe brightness of the display function.

The process of controlling the brightness restriction of the game devicewith the brightness restriction control means will now be discussed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 11 of the brightness restrictioncontrol means executes a process for detecting a crowded situation (stepS71). Specifically, the time detection means of the brightnessrestriction control means detects the crowded time period and provides atrigger signal to the control unit 11 (step S11 of FIG. 2).

The control unit 11 of the brightness restriction control device thenexecutes a process for transmitting the brightness restriction controlsignal (step S72). Specifically, the remote control processing means ofthe control unit 11 acquires the function type specification and thecontrol message stored in the memory 13, generates the brightnessrestriction control signal, and transmits the brightness restrictioncontrol signal out of the controller 10 with the wireless communicationunit 14 (step S12 of FIG. 2).

In this case, the game device when located in the control target areareceives the brightness restriction control signal (step S73, step S13of FIG. 2, “YES” in step S21 of FIG. 3). The control unit 21 of the gamedevice specifies the display function as the control target from thefunction type specification in the brightness restriction controlsignal. The control unit 21 also specifies the present setting condition(brightness level) of the display function.

The control unit 21 of the game device then determines whether or notthe present setting condition corresponds with the setting condition ofthe brightness in the brightness restriction control signal (step S22 ofFIG. 3). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the game device determineswhether or not the setting condition corresponds to the settingcondition of the control message (brightness level is less than or equalto maximum tolerable level Z).

If the present brightness setting condition does not correspond with thesetting condition of the control message (“NO” in step S22 of FIG. 3),the control unit 21 of the game device stores the current brightnesslevel as the user setting value (step S74). Specifically, if the currentbrightness level is not less than or equal to a maximum tolerable levelZ, the current brightness level is stored as the user setting value(step S23 of FIG. 3).

The control unit 21 of the game device changes the brightness level sothat it corresponds to the setting condition of the brightnessrestriction control signal. The control unit 21 of the game devicechanges the brightness level to the maximum tolerable level Z, which isthe setting condition of the control message closest to the currentbrightness level (step S75, step S24 of FIG. 3). Specifically, since thecurrent brightness level is greater than the setting condition of thecontrol message, the control unit 21 of the television changes thebrightness level to the maximum tolerable level Z, which is the settingcondition of the control message closest to the current brightness level(step S75).

The control unit 21 of the game device may then detect a brightnesslevel changing instruction in a signal from the operation unit 24. Insuch a case (step S76, “YES” in step S25 of FIG. 3), the changedbrightness level is stored as the user setting value (step S77, step S23of FIG. 3) if the brightness restriction control signal is received andthe brightness level is greater than the maximum tolerable level.

Subsequently, when detection of a crowded situation is completed, upondetection of a completion time of the crowded time period (step S81),the control unit 11 of the brightness restriction control means stopstransmitting the brightness restriction control signal (step S82). Inthis case, the control unit 21 of the game device detects the completionof the receipt of the brightness restriction control signal. Thecompletion of the receipt of the brightness restriction control signalalso is detected (step S83) when the game device moves away from thecontrol target area. In this case (“YES” in step S26 of FIG. 3), thegame device changes the brightness level to the brightness level storedas the user setting value (step S84, step S27 of FIG. 3).

The present example has the advantages described below in addition toadvantages (1) to (4).

In the present example, when detecting a crowded situation (step S71),the brightness reduction control device installed in a train car or thelike transmits the brightness restriction control signal (step S72). Ifthe current brightness level does not correspond with the settingcondition of the control message in the brightness restriction controlsignal, the control unit 21 of the game device changes the brightnesslevel so that it corresponds to the setting condition of the controlmessage (step S75). This suppresses the brightness of the game devicewhen the train is crowded.

In the present example, when detecting a brightness level changinginstruction in a signal from the operation unit 24 (step S76), if thebrightness restriction control signal is received and the brightnesslevel is greater than the maximum tolerable level, the control unit 21of the game device executes the processes of steps S21 to S24. Thus, thecontrol unit 21 of the game device stores the changed brightness levelas the user setting value (step S77), and the setting condition of thecontrol message is maintained. Thus, even if the operation unit 24 isoperated, priority is given to the control executed by the brightnessrestriction control device. Thus, the brightness of the game device issuppressed when a crowded situation continues.

In the present example, upon completion of the receipt of the brightnessrestriction control signal, the control unit 21 of the game devicereturns the brightness level back to the user setting value (step S84).Thus, when the game device is moved away from the control target area,the brightness of the game device is automatically returned to thebrightness level set by the user. This provides user convenience.

In the present example, the restriction control signal could alsorestrict the volume of the game device, as well as the brightness.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presentinvention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Particularly, it should beunderstood that the present invention may be embodied in the followingforms.

In the first to fourth examples, the controls executed in differentapplications have been described. However, the present invention is notlimited to these applications.

For instance, in the second example, a motion sensor may be arranged inthe control target area, and a flash invalidation control signal may betransmitted only when the motion sensor detects the presence of aperson. In this case, the control unit 21 transmits the function controlsignal when acquiring the trigger signal (detection signal) from thesensor, which serves as the trigger signal providing unit 12.

The volume reduction control device of the third example reduces thevolume of the car audio but instead may lower the volume of anautomobile horn (warning sound). In this case, the volume reductioncontrol device adjusts the volume of the horn when receiving thefunction control signal. Specifically, the volume is adjusted byrestricting and shortening the time during which the horn producessound.

Further, a volume reduction control device that transmits a noisereduction control signal during a predetermined time period (volumereduction period: e.g., predetermined time period during the night) maybe used. In this case, the volume reduction control device is installedalong a road in a noise reduction area (hospital, school zone, orresidential area), and a volume restriction control signal istransmitted to the noise reducing area during the volume reductionperiod.

The volume reduction control signal may be transmitted in accordancewith the environmental noise in the subject area. In this case, thevolume reduction control device includes a sound collection unit (e.g.,audio sensor). Further, the volume reduction control device stores anoise correspondence table in which a reference volume is stored inaccordance with the environmental noise. The volume reduction controldevice measures the environmental noise with the sound collection unitand acquires the reference noise corresponding to the environmentalnoise from the noise correspondence table. The volume reduction controldevice then transmits the function control signal containing the controlmessage for the reference noise.

Further, in the fourth example, the brightness reduction control devicethat restricts brightness may execute a control to restrict thebrightness (brightness) of an electronic device not only during acrowded period but also in, for example, a night bus.

In one embodiment, the controller 10 controls a single function of theelectronic device 20. However, the controller 10 may control more than asingle function. For example, the controller 10 may control anelectronic device 20 having multiple functions, such as a photographyfunction, a sound output function, and a display function. In such acase, for the functions of the function type specification, theelectronic device 20 stores the present setting conditions inassociation with the function type specification. When receiving thefunction control signal, the electronic device 20 specifies the currentsetting conditions of the function type specification in the signal.Then, the electronic device 20 executes a control operation so that thesetting conditions correspond to the setting condition of the functionmessage. Thus, the controller 10 controls a multiple-function electronicdevice 20 in the same manner as a single-function electronic device 20.

In the preferred embodiment, the volume level, the brightness level, orthe like of the electronic device 20 may be adjusted so that the volumelevel, the brightness level, or the like is adjusted in the same mannerin each electronic device 20 irrespective of type. The control messagemay include a common reference level (e.g., decibel or the like forvolume) for each electronic device 20. The electronic device 20 stores aconversion table data of the volume level corresponding to the referencelevel. If the control message of the function control signal containsthe common reference level, the control unit 21 of the electronic device20 converts the reference level into the volume level of the electronicdevice 20 using the stored conversion table data to execute conditionalcontrol using the volume level. Thus, even if the tolerable range of thevolume level adjusted by the electronic device 20 is different, the samecontrol may be executed regardless of the type of electronic device 20.

The present examples and embodiments are to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limitedto the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope andequivalence of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for controlling an electronic device within a predefinedarea, the apparatus comprising: a trigger signal providing unit forgenerating a trigger signal based on predetermined criteria; a functioncontrol unit, connected to the trigger signal providing unit, whereinthe function control unit receives the trigger signal from the triggersignal providing unit, and generates a function control signal inresponse to the trigger signal, wherein the function control signalincludes a function type specification that specifies a function of acontrol subject in the electronic device, and a control message thatspecifies a setting condition for controlling the function of thecontrol subject; and a wireless communication unit, connected to thefunction control unit, for receiving the function control signal andtransmitting the function control signal to an electronic device in thepredefined area, wherein the function control signal initiates a controlprogram in the electronic device that causes the electronic device tocompare a current setting condition of the control subject with thecontrol setting of the function control signal, and store the currentsetting condition and then change the setting condition to the settingcondition specified by the function control signal until the functioncontrol signal is completed, at which time the control program restoresthe setting condition of the control subject of the electronic devicewith the previously stored current setting condition, and wherein thecontrol program in the electronic device is not accessible by a user ofthe electronic device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wirelesscommunication unit transmits the function control signal via a shortrange wireless technology.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thewireless technology includes one of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and infraredtransmission technology.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefunction control signal instructs the electronic device to adjust avolume of an audio unit of the electronic device.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the function control signal instructs the electronicdevice to adjust a brightness setting of a display screen of theelectronic device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronicdevice comprises a mobile telephone.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the trigger signal providing unit generates the trigger signalbased on a timer output.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thetrigger signal providing unit generates the trigger signal based ondetection of an incoming call signal.
 9. A method for controlling anelectronic device that is within a predefined area, the methodcomprising the steps of: generating a trigger signal in response topredetermined criteria; generating a function control signal in responseto the trigger signal, wherein the function control signal includes afunction type specification that specifies a function of a controlsubject in the electronic device, and a control message that specifies asetting condition for controlling the function of the control subject;and transmitting the function control signal, with a wirelesstransmission unit, within the predefined area, wherein when the functioncontrol signal is received by the electronic device, the functioncontrol signal initiates a control program in the electronic device thatcauses the electronic device to store a current setting condition of thefunction type in the electronic device specified by the function controlsignal to the setting condition specified by the function controlsignal, and restore the previously stored current setting condition uponcompletion of the function control signal, and wherein the controlprogram in the electronic device is not accessible by a user of theelectronic device.
 10. The method for controlling an electronic deviceof claim 9, wherein the function control signal is transmitted via ashort range wireless technology.
 11. The method for controlling anelectronic device of claim 10, wherein the wireless technology includesone of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and infrared transmission technology.
 12. Themethod for controlling an electronic device apparatus of claim 9,wherein the function control signal instructs the electronic device toadjust a volume of an audio unit of the electronic device.
 13. Themethod for controlling an electronic device of claim 9, wherein thefunction control signal instructs the electronic device to adjust abrightness setting of a display screen of the electronic device.
 14. Themethod for controlling an electronic device of claim 9, wherein theelectronic device comprises a mobile telephone.
 15. The method forcontrolling an electronic device of claim 9, wherein the trigger signalis generated based on a timer output.
 16. The method for controlling anelectronic device of claim 9, wherein the trigger signal is generatedbased on detection of an incoming call signal.